Waterproof Records with Jacob Givens

Smashing Pumpkins fans — this one’s for YOU.Today we take a deep dive into Machina / The Machines of God, the fifth studio album from the original Smashing Pumpkins era and one of the most fascinating chapters in the band’s entire history. From the chaotic label politics, to D'arcy’s departure, to the abandoned double-album concept, to the mythic story of Glass and the Machines of God — this episode unpacks it ALL. I even pull out my original Machina CDs, concert tickets, and memories from catching the band on the Sacred & Profane Tour. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s Halloween, and I'm back with a special Waterproof Records bonus episode! This week, I'm setting the mood for your haunted house, late-night drive, or dance floor with ten underrated songs that belong on your Halloween playlist. Forget the same old Monster Mash and pop hits—these tracks go darker, moodier, and way cooler. From Poe’s haunted beauty to Nine Inch Nails’ chilling cover of Joy Division, from Portishead’s eerie orchestration to The Cure’s gothic masterpiece, I've got you covered with deep cuts that sound like Halloween feels. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sometimes a concert weekend hits you so hard it demands its own episode — and that’s exactly what happened at this year’s Best Friends Forever Festival in Las Vegas. From lightning storms and soaked sneakers to emotional sets from Mineral, Cursive, Knapsack, and Elliott, this weekend reminded me why I created Waterproof Records in the first place: to celebrate those transcendent, life-changing moments only music can deliver. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From pounding out his first beats on pots and pans to becoming the rhythmic heart of Failure, Kellii Scott opens up about his wild musical journey, creative philosophy, and the emotional roots that shaped his drumming. It’s a funny, heartfelt, and raw conversation—filled with stories of 90s alt-rock, artistic purpose, and the joy of still creating. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week I’m trying something brand new on the podcast — I’m making you a 90s mixtape! These are ten tracks that never fail to wake me up, keep me energized, and remind me why music is pure fuel for the soul. Expect deep cuts, anthems, personal stories, and the kind of nostalgia only a true 90s mixtape can deliver. Whether you grew up blasting these tracks on a road trip, or you’re discovering them for the first time, these songs will give you the same rush they’ve always given me. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, I’m thrilled to welcome Luke Bentham and Kyle Fisher of The Dirty Nil — a band I’ve been championing since their explosive debut hit my ears back in 2016. We go way beyond the music to talk about their almost 20-year journey as bandmates and childhood friends, their beginnings with basement jams, and their shared love for blistering riffs and emotional resonance. If you're into authentic rock stories, deep musical dives, and the spirit of DIY grit, this one's for you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After a short break and a brand-new studio setup, we’re turning our focus to one of the most powerful albums of the 90s — In Utero by Nirvana. This episode unpacks the raw energy, rebellious spirit, and creative fire that fueled Kurt Cobain’s final masterpiece. From the thunderous Steve Albini production to the chaotic brilliance of “Scentless Apprentice” and the unforgettable visuals of “Heart-Shaped Box,” this is a full-blown nostalgia trip through a record that shook the world. Plus, I share personal memories of hearing these songs as a teen and what they meant back then — and still mean today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of Waterproof Records, I sit down with Rome Ramirez—the voice behind Sublime with Rome, collaborator with The Dirty Heads, and a musical force embarking on a brand new chapter of his career. Rome opens up about his journey from growing up in Northern California to becoming a central figure in Sublime’s legacy. We talk about the moment he discovered Sublime’s self-titled album, what that record meant to him as a kid, and how it changed the trajectory of his life. But we go deeper than music—we talk about the hustle of LA, fatherhood, what inspires him now as a solo artist, and the joys (and challenges) of passing down our musical obsessions to our kids. This is one of the most heartfelt, honest, and inspiring conversations we’ve had yet. Let’s go! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Waterproof Records, we revisit the groundbreaking debut of one of the most unforgettable voices of the '90s—Fiona Apple. From the haunting vulnerability of “Sullen Girl” to the lyrical fire of “Sleep to Dream,” we explore how Tidal introduced us to a teenage prodigy with wisdom beyond her years. We dive into the cultural impact of the Criminal video, the controversy surrounding her MTV VMAs speech, and the maturity packed into lyrics written when she was just 14. This isn't just an album review—it's a reflection on trauma, self-expression, and the raw power of art. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Punk rock is alive and well — and Teen Mortgage is leading the charge! In this episode of Waterproof Records, I sit down with the gritty DMV based duo as they pass through LA on tour. We talk about their journey from Craigslist connections to pink furry drums and their killer new album Devil Ultrasonic Dream. From childhood influences to chaotic tour stories, this convo is packed with raw energy, DIY ethos, and deep dives into the punk spirit that fuels their music. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices